Operation Papillon was a large scale air and ground assault on the Viet Minh at Hòa Bình by the French Army and Air Force in April 1947, during the early stages of the First Indochina War. Notes References Printed 1947 in French Indochina 1947 in Vietnam Battles and operations of the First Indochina War Military operations involving France Battles involving Vietnam Conflicts in 1947 April 1947 events in Asia History of Hòa Bình Province